Thalaiyar Falls is a natural attraction in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a spectacular waterfall that cascades from the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District. It has a height of 297 m (974 ft), making it the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. It is also known as Rat Tail Falls, because of its long and narrow shape that resembles the tail of a rat. It is located about 40 km (25 miles) from the Kodaikanal town and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills, valleys and forests.
Rattail Falls is a popular viewpoint and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike in Kodaikanal, who come to admire the beauty and adventure of this place. Visit during One Day Madurai to Kodaikanal Tour Package by Private Cab
Location of Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar Falls is located at Thalaiyar Falls Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624210, India. It is situated on the southern end of the Palani Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats. It is about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the Manjalar Dam, another natural attraction in Kodaikanal.
Timing/Entry Fees Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar Falls is open to the public daily, including Sundays (excluding public holidays) between 10:00 am and 06:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting Rattail Falls. However, visitors may have to pay a nominal fee for parking their vehicles near the starting point of the trek.
How to Reach Thalaiyar Falls
There are many ways to reach Thalaiyar Falls from different parts of Kodaikanal and nearby areas. Some of the common modes of transport are:
- By Road: Thalaiyar Falls is well-connected by road with various parts of the city and nearby towns. There are many buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws that ply to and from Thalaiyar Falls. The main road, also known as Lake Road or NH44, runs parallel to the coast and has signboards indicating the direction to Rattail Falls.
- By Rail: Thalaiyar Falls can be reached by train from various railway stations in Kodaikanal and nearby areas. The nearest railway station is Kodai Road, which is about 80 km (50 miles) away from Thalaiyar Falls. Other nearby railway stations are Palani, Dindigul and Madurai. From these stations, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Rattail Falls.
- By Air: Thalaiyar Falls can also be reached by air from various airports in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 135 km (84 miles) away from Thalaiyar Falls. Other nearby airports are Coimbatore, Trichy and Kochi. From these airports, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Rattail Falls.
Things to Do/Must See Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar Falls offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Thalaiyar Falls and its surroundings. Some of the things to do and see at Rattail Falls are:
- Trekking: Trekking is one of the most enjoyable activities at Thalaiyar Falls. Visitors can trek for about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the starting point near Manjalar Dam to reach the viewpoint. The trek is moderate in difficulty and passes through pine forests, rocky terrains and misty valleys. Visitors can also see some wildlife such as monkeys, bison and birds along the way.
- Watching the view: Watching the view is another interesting activity at Thalaiyar Falls. Visitors can see a breathtaking view of the waterfall that cascades from a height of 297 m (974 ft), creating a rat tail shape. Visitors can also see the surrounding hills, valleys and forests from the viewpoint.
- Picnicking: Picnicking is also an option at Thalaiyar Falls for those who want to relax and unwind. Visitors can sit on the benches or rocks near the viewpoint and enjoy some snacks and beverages from the nearby shops and stalls.
- Visiting the other attractions: Thalaiyar Falls also has some other attractions nearby that visitors can explore. Some of them are:
- Manjalar Dam: Manjalar Dam is a natural dam that is located about 3 km (1.9 miles) from Thalaiyar Falls. The dam was built in 1966 and is a source of irrigation and drinking water for many villages and towns. The dam also has a rich biodiversity and a scenic beauty.
- Dolphin’s Nose: Dolphin’s Nose is a viewpoint that is located about 40 km (25 miles) from Thalaiyar Falls. The point is named so because it has a flat rock that resembles the nose of a dolphin. The point offers a stunning view of the hills, valleys and forests.
- Pine Forest: Pine Forest is a forest area that is located about 40 km (25 miles) from Thalaiyar Falls. The forest has many pine trees that give a pleasant fragrance and a cool shade. The forest is also a popular spot for movie shootings and photography.
Significance of Rattail Falls
Thalaiyar Falls is not only a tourist attraction but also a significant place for Kodaikanal and Tamil Nadu. Some of the reasons why Rattail Falls is important are:
- It is a natural attraction that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature in Kodaikanal. Thalaiyar Falls is a spectacular waterfall that cascades from the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges. It has a height of 297 m (974 ft), making it the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. It is also known as Rat Tail Falls, because of its long and narrow shape that resembles the tail of a rat.
- It is an adventure attraction that showcases the thrill and excitement of trekking in Kodaikanal. Thalaiyar Falls requires a moderate level 6 km (3.7 miles) long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range. It is a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers and nature lovers.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed at Thalaiyar Falls?
A: Yes, photography is allowed at Rattail Falls for personal use only. However, visitors are requested to be respectful and discreet while taking photographs and not to disturb or offend anyone.
Q: Are there any facilities or amenities at Rattail Falls?
A: Yes, there are some facilities and amenities at Rattail Falls, such as toilets, drinking water, benches, parking etc. There are also some shops and stalls near the viewpoint that sell snacks, beverages, souvenirs etc.
Q: Are there any other attractions or places near Thalaiyar Falls?
A: Yes, there are some other attractions or places near Thalaiyar Falls, such as Manjalar Dam, Dolphin’s Nose, Pine Forest etc.
Conclusion
Thalaiyar Falls is a natural attraction in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a spectacular waterfall that cascades from the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District. It has a height of 297 m (974 ft), making it the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world. It is also known as Rat Tail Falls, because of its long and narrow shape that resembles the tail of a rat. It is located about 40 km (25 miles) from the Kodaikanal town and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills, valleys and forests.
Rattail Falls is a popular viewpoint and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the beauty and adventure of this place. Rattail Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Rattail Falls and its surroundings in Kodaikanal.
